04 February 2011

The 28-day Family History Writing Challenge

The Armchair Genealogist has issued the challenge – and I have answered it, I think. This challenge encourages genealogists and family historians to stop procrastinating and start writing.

My subject will be my great-great grandfather, William James Scott. He has been pretty elusive. While I knew his daughter, my great-grandmother, Nellie Louisa Scott Toney, I don’t recall her ever talking about her father. Grama Nellie died during my freshman year in college and I wish almost daily that I had asked her about her family.

I change my mind. I will write about Grama Nellie. Of course, William will be included as well. But I think if I am to take this challenge seriously, then I should write about someone I truly loved and respected. A woman who gave love to her family and always stood strong for them.

Here are a few facts from her life:

Nellie Louisa Scott was born in Worcester, MA on 19 September 1887

Her parents were William James Scott and Hannah E. (Scott) Scott

Her mother died 4 November 1896 when she was nine years old.

She had 4 brothers, three from her mom and one from her step-mom.

She married Edwin Alexander Toney on 5 April 1905.

She lived in Worcester her entire life.

She had ten children.

She passed on 25 March 1981.

Please follow along while I write about this beloved woman. Or don’t. I will write on anyway.

About Me

Cheryll Toney Holley, proprietor of PastTense Genealogy, is a professional researcher and writer specializing in African-American and Native American peoples in New England. For over fifteen years,she has compiled genealogies and written family histories for descendants of New England'scommunities of color. A trained historian, she also directs the Hassanamisco Indian Museum locatedin Grafton, Massachusetts.